43 Things about Mandy

I took the 43 Things Personality Quiz and found out I'm a Romantic Traveling Builder

"See You and Me Have a Better Time Than Most"

Eli and I have been so blessed to have made some really good friends out here in Rio. I work a lot in the evening, so when Eli doesn't have appointments, he usually hangs out with M & E. They are such wonderful people; amazingly friendly, unselfish, HILARIOUS, and so many other words. Eli and I have taken to spending Sundays with them. They've been nice enough to share their family with us (Nana, A, A, Z and the girls) and their food. We like it over there. We can't be with our family out here, but they (and a few other families) are the next best thing.

Today we went over to E & M's and spent a little quality time. We had a roast that Nana was so nice to make for us. After Dinner we sat down to watch Love Stinks. Cheesey, funny movie. Apparently Eli, E & M had started watching it the night before while I was at work. Eli said it reminded him of me. Go figure. I guess it did mostly because I told Eli I loved him first and he was like, "Sooo...?" It kind of went like that, maybe not exactly. It's got a few scenes that are questionably, so if it's ever on TV...

After the movie Eli and M had to make a few business phone calls, so I took to the kitchen. I saw a recipe on a friend's blog that I wanted to try. So while the guys were busy with business and E was taking Nana home, I made Whoopie Pies. The closest thing to describing these yummy snacks would be Oreo Cakesters, but these were 100 times better. You should make them. Tasty and easy, the best combination.

Eli and M loved these "pies." I loved them. M's kids loved them. I just might have to start making these more often. I'm glad I was able to make these for everyone. Thanks Chef B. It's so nice to be able to have a fun relaxing night with friends. Every day we have more reasons to like Rio. We are so thankful that we've been able to find great people here.

The Boys enjoying some Whoopie Pies.

Reasons I Like Preschool

There are just some things that are cuter with a preschooler than a 4th grader.

Finding the "snowball" in the snow (marshmallows & whip cream)

Making "snow angels"

And I get to see that. How is that not adorable?

It's Snowing in Rio

One of the questions Eli asked people before we decided to move here was, "What is the weather like?" We were told summer gets hot (but not St. George hot) and during the winter it's cold and windy. It snows every once in awhile, but melts like an hour later. NOT TRUE!

I love watching the snow fall as much as the next person. It's a wonderful change from the sun and dirt. BEING in the snow is totally different. I don't like driving in the snow. I don't like walking in the snow (I like sledding, but only when I'm bundled and there's no chance of me getting wet). Not a big fan of snow in my shoes. I just don't really like being cold. I think walking to school in the snow in college did that to me.

Well, it turns out that snow is not completely terrible here. Apparently if there's 6 inches of snow on the ground schools close and businesses close early. It started snowing Monday, all day! I was working at B & N that night and we usually close at 11 pm. We decided to close at 9 because the roads were packed with snow. I lucked out. Eli also showed up to warm up my car, scrap off the snow and ice, and follow me home. He's AMAZING!

The snow lasted through the night which made it a SNOW DAY. The schools were closed which meant I didn't have preschool and I got to sleep in. HOORAY! Since Eli doesn't work much in the morning we got to lay in bed and be lazy. I got up a little while later and made chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. I used the Budge family recipes. One of my favorite things when I was little was when my dad made pancakes that looked like stuff. In his honor I made snowman pancakes for Eli. They were tasty! These are just regular circle ones, still yummy!

Now it's time for some dinner, a little "Alvin & the Chipmunks," and a little something from the COCOMOTION (if you don't have one, you should)! Although all our snow melted in 2 days, we're supposed to have a big snow storm tomorrow. It's gonna be the coldest winter here in like 500 years we hear!

Do You Know What Today Is?

In the words of Tony Toni Tone, "It's THEIR anniversary." Mostly Tony's words. Today is my parents' 22nd anniversary. I don't want to embarrass them too much, but I love my parents. I was thinking about it today, I can only imagine how different my life would be if they had not gotten married. I was 3-years-old when my parents got married and life has been good ever since.

I have lots of memories from when I was little. My mom, dad, and I went to Disneyland for their honeymoon, we went on camping trips together; we did so much together. Even now, Eli and I love going to visit my parents and spending time with them because they are so much FUN!

But even more than being fun, they are such great examples to me and Eli. We've learned so much from them. I've learned so much from them. I've learned the importance of hard work, charity, and service. I've learned how to drive a car and cook a good meal. Sometimes the lessons weren't so easy, but definitely worth it in the end.

And most of all I've learned the importance of an eternal family. It was the example they set for me when I was younger that helped me make the decision to marry in the Temple. I cannot thank them enough for that. I know that my family will ALWAYS be together and sometimes that knowledge is all I need to get through the day. Friends are great to have and make life fun, but family makes life AMAZING and gives me purpose.

I am so grateful for you Mom and Dad. Thank you for being my parents and my friends. I love you!

Interesting

These are just some things I found. I've been curious and sick and have time on my hands.



South Park's Creators to make "Mormon Musical" for Broadway

The announcment that started my curious fingers going.



Public Issues: Same-Gender Attraction

I really like Elder Oaks answer to the first question. I've come across many instances (working at Barnes & Noble, Imagine that!) where I've been accused of being narrow-minded, racist, a bigot, and so on. I have always taken the stance of "love the person, not the sin,"

but that doesn't mean I have to give up my right for what I believe in. I have the freedom to say what I like, just the same as others.



I understand that our church ASKED members to support Prop 8, (They did not threaten excommunication if people opposed it. They did not demand people to vote yes.) but I know we are not the only church that supported Prop 8. Why are we being the ones targeted? Again, I've been perusing and found these statistics:

• African-American -70% voted yes


• Latinos -53% voted yes


• Asian - 49% voted yes


• Other - 51% voted yes


• Ages 30--44 - 55% voted yes


• Ages 45-64 - 51% voted yes


• Ages 65 & up - 61% voted yes


• Female - 52% voted yes


• Male - 53% voted yes

CNN.com - Local Exit Polls

I've read of some of these other groups being harrassed and threatened, but not to the extent that Mormons have recieved. I might be naive, but I do wonder. Why us?

"Since blacks and latinos voted overwhelmingly for Prop. 8, I fully expect to see gay zealots marching onto South Central and East L.A. and threatening to burn down houses and businesses there."

Mormons Face Flack for Backing Prop 8

On the Daily Kos, the nation's most popular liberal blog, there is a campaign to use that information to look into the lives of Mormons who financially support Prop. 8...Atkins said his goal was to "embarrass the opposition by pointing out and publicizing any contributors they may have." He said focusing on Mormons made sense."

Elderly people being abused? Sad.

Utah Faces Boycott after Mormon Work for Prop 8

I know that Mormons settled Utah and when people think of Utah they think "mormon." Most of the businesses that people are targeting aren't affiliated with the Church in any way, shape, or form.

Missouri's Mormon Past

In 1838 and 1839, following an “extermination” order issued by Gov. Lilburn Boggs, 8,000 to 10,000 Mormons were driven out of Missouri. Boggs had declared Mormons in “open and avowed defiance” of the state’s laws and of having made war upon the people of Missouri.
“The Mormons must be treated as enemies,” Boggs declared on Oct. 27, 1838, “and must be exterminated or driven from the State if necessary for the public peace; their outrages are beyond all description.”

Boggs’ extermination order was finally rescinded in 1976 by Missouri Gov. Christopher Bond, who also offered his regrets on behalf of the state.

"Music is What Feelings Sound Like"

Anyone who knows me or Eli know that we both have a HUGE passion for music. I heard someone say that "music is what feelings sound like." I could not have thought of a better way to put it. Music can truly do anything. It can make you relive every second of a past memory. It can make you feel happy and excited. It can make you feel sad and lonely. It can make you feel warmth and love. It can motivate you or relax you. I believe that music is something that can speak to anyone, anywhere.

The reason I say all this is because I was listening to one of my favorite musicians, Andy Mckee. He is phenomenal. He is one of those people that makes you feel all of those emotions I described above. Not only does Andy's (because we're on a first name basis now) music sound amazing, but watching him is an incredible experience. I'm going to post a couple of his videos here, but you can find him all over youtube, myspace, and get his music here. Just watch.

Drifiting


Africa - Toto (This should sound familiar)


Rylynn (This is my favorite)


Another thing that I have always loved is the drums. There is something about the drums that is fascinating. I've always loved drumlines. I've done searches and watched drumlines perform on the internet. One group I came across is called KAOTIC. They're pretty good and they have a good story. You know me, I'm always up for a good story that involves helping kids. Here is a show they did at a Bulls-Kings game a couple of years ago.



Some of you may have heard of the djembe drum. It is an african drum that is made by a skin streched over a gauntlet-shaped drum. It's played with your bare hands. It kind of reminds me of the conga drum, but not. Eli has used the djembe in some of his music. I love the sound of it. There is a movie called "The Vistor" that features the djembe. The sound kind of brings back a tribal, primal feel. Anyway, watch again. This is the Duke University Dejembe Ensemble. So much fun!

Superman

I just wanted to give a little update on my dad. He is amazing! I swear he is superman. For having had brain surgery he is doing really well. I love him so much! He has had his stitches taken out. He's out and about, taking it easy. I just wanted to post some pictures and share our adventure with the rest of you. Thank you again so much for your prayers and thoughts. We love you guys!

Dad with no hair. I think the look suites him. He has a very spherical noggin'.

Pre-operation. I believe he was modeling Josh's look.

Me and Pop pre-operation

We tried my hair on Pop. We thought the darker hair helped him fit in with the rest of the fam.

Grandpa waiting during Pop's surgery.

Post-operation. Hardcore!

Bandages off. Enter here. Take a look around.

Relaxing.

The Rain Came Down...and Our Ceiling Fell In

Similar to St. George, Albuquerque is a desert. Albuquerque is also in a drought. When the rains come it is a blessed affair. I am also a big fan of the rain (when I'm not caught in it). I love the smell after it rains. It is so fresh and so clean!

Saturday was one of those blessed days! It poured and it was wonderful. When I got home from work late Saturday night I was looking forward to a good night's rest. I did not expect to find the following:

The bubble was dripping. I couldn't call the landlord being that it was way super late. I stuck a pot under the drip and attempted to go to bed. After about 2.5 seconds I decided to sleep in the guest room. I was just closing my eyes when I heard the "drip drip" in the pot. I went into the room and stuck a towel in the pot. I also noticed that something changed in the bubble. It became this:
That is a huge bubble! It also spread to another bubble which spread to another bubble. In a rectangle shape. Obviously the ceiling had had a leak before and had been patched. I let Eli know and he called the landlord Sunday morning. We didn't hear from him. Our carpet was soaked and it smelled. It smelled like when you forget to change the laundry from the washer to the dryer but ten times worse.

Sunday night I had to go to work. Eli came in and saw me for lunch. He informed that I should be careful when I got home and I should probably sleep in the guest room again. The ceiling was half hanging off and it might fall off. I decided to check on it when I got home. I found this:

And I found this on the floor (ignore the unfolded laundry, if you can see it):

Lame! We got through to the landlord. They came in and patched it up for now. We're getting it fixed on Friday. The good thing about it is that we're gonna get a little discount off our rent. The smell is also starting to fade and after 3 days our carpet is finally drying!

Oh Happy Day!

We are back from our very short trip to Utah for Dad's surgery and we have good news! In the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger, "It's not a tumor!" I'm going to post some AMAZING pictures from our little adventure and give you a little more of the story, but I did want to let you know that my dad is doing well.

He still had to have brain surgery because they didn't know it wasn't a tumor until they got inside. What they did find was something called a Venous Varix. I'm still trying to find a good definition for it, but it's basically an enlarged blood vessel in his brain. His veins were attaching to it and feeding it which caused two things 1) made it grow and 2) blocked blood flow to other parts of his brain. It has been removed and sent to a lab for testing, but the doc said he should be good.

For just having brain surgery he is doing amazingly well. Everything works perfectly and he's back to cracking his jokes and giving his nurses a hard time. Like I said before, he is a strong man and we knew things would go well.

I did want to thank all of you who prayed and fasted on my dad's behalf. I really, truly believe that all the love and support is what helped things go so well. I've got lots of thoughts on that that maybe I'll share later. Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU so much again. My family thanks you as well and are amazed that so many people have contacted us. We love you guys!

Any Man Can Be a Father

I said that a lot has been going on these past few weeks that I've been gone (teething puppies, trip to Vegas, moving apartments, etc.). I have a ton of pictures and stories that I'd like to share and I will, but I'd like to post about something, or rather someone, close to my heart.This is my dad, Jared (aka Papa Joe). To finish the quote from the title, "Any man can be a father; it takes someone special to be a dad." My dad is such an amazing man. He's done so much for me like build my appreciation for music, how to throw a baseball, ride a bike, drive, and to do my best in everything. He's supported me through school for so many years and has always encouraged me to be better.

Everything I've done in my life has been to make him and my mom proud of me. I haven't always been the best at that, but I try. I've always been able to call him and ask him advice for all sorts of stuff, like when the brakes on my miata were going out and I had no idea what was happening. I was on the freeway and I called him during one of his trips with Bryan and he was able to tell me exactly what was wrong and what I needed to do to fix it. I also remember when he would take me to the church parking lot to teach me how to drive a clutch. He had so much stinkin' patience!

I think almost everyone on our blog list has met my dad. Most people think he's pretty cool. I do too, which is why this has been kind of hard for me. A few weeks ago my dad had a seizure of some sort. My brothers found him and he couldn't talk. He was taken to the hospital where there were tests and things done. The doctors couldn't find anything wrong with him. He went home feeling a little better, with medication, and advice to not drive for 3 months.

He went back to the hospital about a week later to do an MRI. Just this last week we got the results. My dad has a brain tumor. He's going in for surgery this following Wednesday, September 10th. The doctors and other sources say that the tumor is slow-growing and that the surgery to be performed has very good odds of being very successful. It was a good thing that Dad had the seizure because it helped to detect the tumor early enough.

My dad is young and he is amazing. He's healthy and the surgery is going to go well. Still though, it would mean alot to me and Eli and the rest of our family if you could say a little prayer for my dad. I love you Papa Joe!

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

I had no idea how theraputic blogging was until I didn't have internet access! I didn't know how grateful I was for the internet either. I've decided that I don't like watching movies at home without having IMDB accesible. I have SO SO much to say and I really have no where to start. I know it's only been 3 weeks (almost) since the last blog I posted, but it seems more like 3 years. There has been so much that has happened, some good and some not. I think I'll post separately for each event, but please understand that it's all intermingled. I know that this blog is more for me, Eli, and our family, but it's still nice to know that I have friends out there who care!

Albuquerque Aloft

Just as a quick reminder to our family and friends, OCTOBER is coming up in a month and a half! That means the International Balloon Festival is rapidly approaching. Here's a little preview as to what we've been waking up to every morning. It was launched at the park right next to our house:

I have also convienently placed links to Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Expedia, CheapTickets, and Hotwire here so that you can book your flights as soon as possible. Remember, you'll be flying into the Albquerque Airport during October 4-12.

Eli and I have toyed with the idea of being balloon chasers sometime during the week of the fiesta. We've heard it's the best way to get free rides in the balloons. Let us know if you want to come visit. Our place is perfect for the two of us, but we do have an extra guest room with a nice full bed, as well as room for the two air mattresses that we own. It'll be great fun!

Let us know when your flight is booked so we can put it on our calendars! We don't want to forget to pick you up (unless you've rented a car!).

I love to see the Temple...

Sunday was such a nice relaxing day. Eli and I finally took the time to go see the Temple. Usually on Sundays we go home after church and crash (Eli wakes up early and I work late), but not this last Sunday. We had heard that the Temple wasn't too far away, but we weren't quite sure.

We got a little lost, I'm not gonna lie, but we finally made it. The Albuquerque Temple is definitely a lot different from other temples I've been to. Most are made out of the gray colored granite and have some very intricate designs, but the Albuquerque Temple is very earthy and simple. According to LDSChurchTemples.com it's made of a "Desert Rose concrete trimmed with Texas Pearl Granite," so it's more of a rose-y, sand color. It's beautiful in it's simple surroundings and blends well with the pueblo-esque look of the rest of the city. I love the stars near the spire. You can click the picture for a closer look.
There is always such a good feeling around the Temple. Even when you're not inside. It reminds me of such happy times in my life; the first time I did Baptisms, being sealed to my family, marrying Eli, and all the times I drove to the Oakland Temple when I was a teenager. It's such a peaceful, happy feeling where you know everything is okay. I'm so grateful for temples and Eli and I are so excited to go in one of these days (when our schedule allows; we're recommend holders!).
I have a fascination with the waters that are usually found on temple grounds. The smell and the cool mist is so refreshing and the sound is so peaceful. It definitely enhances the temple experience!

Date Day

Eli and I have a pretty interesting schedule right now. I'm working at Barnes & Noble right now and Eli is working part-time as a lead at Sam's Club and working to get the business up and running here. What this all means is that Eli pretty much works all day and I usually work evening until midnight. We don't get to see one another very much except for Sundays.

We have decided that when Eli and I have time off together other than Sunday, we get to have our date night. We think it's pretty stinking important to spend time together; you know, happy marriage and all.

Usually for date day we go out to eat and watch a movie. Today was a little different. We went out to breakfast at a place here in New Mexico called Weck's. It's amazing! It's a ton of good food for a decent price and it's delicous! I had lunch and Eli had breakfast (his favorite). I had the chicken fried steak lunch special w/ homemade chips and potato wedges and a salad. Eli had Biscuits n' Gravy, another favorite. If ever you pass through New Mexico or come to visit, a stop at Weck's is necessary!

We contemplated going to a movie, but then remembered hearing about a ceramic store nearby called the Painting Corral. It's one of those places where you go in and pick a ceramic piece to glaze. You can use pieces that have already been fired or glaze a piece that hasn't been fired yet.

It was a tough decision for us to pick something, but we finally settled on some pirate pieces. I told Eli that I know we don't have any kids yet, but when we have a boy I'd like to decorate his room in a pirate theme. I love pirates! So we made our choices and got to work.

Eli worked pretty hard. His focus totally paid off because his pirate skull came out amazing! All you do is paint the project with an acrylic glaze. Once you're done painting you blow dry the project with a blow dryer. After that you apply a thin layer of glossy glaze and blow dry again. It was fascinating to see Eli work. We've both taken ceramic classes and were pretty anal about our projects

Here's Eli applying a barnyard red color to his pirates do-rag. And here are our finished projects:

This was one of the best dates Eli and I have been on in awhile. It's amazing to think that we have one another and have so much fun together! If you don't make the time now to do it, you really should have a weekly date night with your spouse. It does wonders!

Cherry-stained Fingers and Full Bellies

Yesterday was a nice, relaxing day. I ran around a lot, but it turned out to be well worth it. I slept in kind of late, having worked late the night before (closing at B &N is killing me!). I woke up with enought time to play with the puppies, shower, get ready, and pick up lunch for Eli. I usually make lunch for him, but was running a little late. I do kind of like closing at work because Eli and I are still able to have lunch (at Sam's) and dinner (at B & N) everyday. People think it's a little obssessive, but it's the least we can do while are schedules are a little off.

Continuing on, I stopped at a RS luncheon to get to know a few of the sisters in ward. I made it in time for the clean up. Nice! I met two nice ladies though. It's been great going to this new ward (outside of Utah) because people have been very receptive to us moving in. Although there are obviously people that have been friends for awhile, it's not an odd thing to have a new family move in. It's been great to have that openess and welcoming smiles.

After the world's shortest luncheon, I felt ambitous. I was planning on making spaghetti, but decided I would tackle a pineapple-stuffed chicken and bake a cherry pie. My first pie ever and it turned out amazing! The recipes came from Chef Britta's website. I went to girls' camp with her when we were younger back in California and she's turned into an amazing Chef! Thanks Britta!

Both turned out delicious! One of the most fun things about cooking and baking is the help. Eli is such an amazing husband. Both recipes can be kind of intense and I needed to grow an extra pair of hands. Eli became my extra pair. Instead of relaxing after a long day at work or playing on his new phone, he helped me. I gave him the daunting task of pitting and halving the cherries and he did with no complaint, after I threw a fit because my dough didn't come out right (he fixed that too). He's so stinkin' cool that way. It was pretty funny too; his fingers were a deep purple color after chopping into all of those cherries! I wish I would've had a camera, but I'll give you a little idea of what it might have looked like. Imagine black, tire-stained fingers (they were clean) and the little purple, cherry-stained fingers mixed. They looked a little like this:

We spent the rest of the night stuffed and content with our puppies. Sometimes I have to stop and thank God for the wonderful life I've been blessed with; an amazing husband, a wonderful place to live, our wild puppies, and the ability to follow a good recipe!

It's Like the Birthday Butterflies

I was talking to a coworker of mine today. He commented on my Kool-aid Jammers purse and asked if I made him. I assured him that I was not nearly creative enough and got it from etsy.com. He then told me about all the interesting websites he's found. One of them sounded extremely interesting so I checked it out. Here's the description from the website itself:

"SomethingStore is a fun new website that operates simply: We will send you something, an item selected randomly among many things from our inventory, for $10 (free shipping in the US) and you will find out what your something is when you receive it. What will yours be?"

Then I asked myself the question, "What kinds of things do people get randomly for ten bucks?" My question was quickly answered as I read on:

"Your Something May Be Anything. It may be something you need, something you want or something you desire. Yours may be a cool gadget, rare book, table game, handmade necklace, reverse clock, box of gourmet chocolates, set of shiny shower curtains, popular video game, big-box retailer gift card, the latest version of a software, a set of kitchen knives, a pair of designer jeans, garden tool, kitchen appliance, unique home decor item, electronic equipment, magazine subscription, office supply item, or ...Your something will most likely be brand new, though it may also be refurbished or antique."

And then I thought to myself, "I really like the excitement I feel when Eli tells me he has a surprise for me. I like the feeling at birthdays and Christmas. I wonder if that's what it would feel like if I ordered from this store." I decided that I might have to try it sometime soon. Maybe you should too!

Step It Up and DANCE!

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE to dance. My love for dance started at a very young age. I took ballet for a few months when I was 3 or 4. I'm not gonna lie. I've always liked to shake my groove thing. I was exposed to breaking in 5th grade when a girl at school by the name of Jai danced for a talent show. It was amazing! I never got around to getting back into dance clubs or anything like that, but you better believe my kids will have better moves than me!

It's been awhile since I've been able to get out and cut a rug, so I've been meeting my dancing needs in other ways. I recently rented Step Up 2: The Streets. I got hooked again. I love watching people dance! I started searching YouTube for dancing. The director of Step Up 2, Jon Chu, has a pretty big dance crew. They've challenged Miley Cyrus to the biggest online dance battle. It's crazy what people can do. I've posted Chu's challenge video and Miley's response. Eli and I are big fans of Miley's video. EH!

The ACDC

The M & M Cru

You'll seriously have to check out their other videos. You can find Jon Chu's crew HERE and the M & M Cru HERE. Have fun!

Tag! You're It!

Here's a fun little tag game I found on my friend Jen's blog:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together (or a memory with Eli). It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Say A Little Prayer

I would like everyone to meet my Mommy Martha. To call her grandma just wouldn't seem right. Mommy Martha is such an amazing woman. She has the sweetest personality and she's so giving. One of the things I remember about Mommy is that she is always in the kitchen cooking! When I was little and visiting her in Texas she made me eggs, steak, beans, and fresh tortillas for breakfast. It was amazing. She takes care of everyone in our family, and even those not in our family. I love her so much!

Just today I was told that my little Mommy Martha found a lunp in her throat. After a biopsy and tests it was found that she has stomach cancer. Next week she'll be going in for a CAT scan to see how extensive the cancer has spread. Please pray for my Mommy Martha. I don't want to think about the possible outcomes, but she is much loved and much needed. Please pray for her. She is such a special woman!

Not Your Regular Sausage

I feel like I've forgotten about one of our family members. He's a new addition, but he's been with us for about a month. He kinda makes you wanna say "Yo Quiero Taco Bell" when you look at him. Let us introduce you to Chorizo!
Our dear little Chorizo came to us from a family in Ephraim. He was the last one in his litter. He is a short-haired Chihuahua that is about 4 months old, so he is just a little older than Lima. While we were doing some research on Chihuahuas we came across this description "Chihuahuas are prized for their devotion, ferocity, and personality. Their curious nature and small size make them easily adaptable ...are often stereotyped as high-strung..." The family that we got Chorizo from also said that they called him "Demon" because he was such a terror and got into everything.

Not our little sausage! Chorizo is the biggest pansy in the world. He would much rather be held, he does not like to explore, and his favorite thing to do in snuggle and stick his little wet nose and tongue in your ears and nose. Although he is Eli's favorite, Chorizo lacks the wrestling skills that Eli wished he had. He can put up a good fight against Lima with some lucky moves, but in the end he tends to rollover and submit to her aggresion!

We've also started to call him "Batdog" because when he gets scared and we pick him up, he spreads his arms and sticks his ears up and freezes in that position. We love him to death and are happy to have our pansy, batdog, little sausage man, CHORIZO!

Lima and Chorizo are best friends!

A Belated 4th Posting

I apologize for being a little behind on updating our blog, we've been a little busy with the move and all. Not to fear though, things are going extremely well for us in New Mexico. We've been having quite the adventure here in Albuquerque. It's unbelievable how much there is to do here! We'll keep you posted of all of our excursions.

I'll start with the 4th of July. It was so much fun! We went to the Rio Rancho Parade we our puppies and our friends, the Smith's. There weren't any huge floats or anything, but they had some awesome cars and it was still fun to get out and see all the new people.

After the parade Eli and I and the Smith's went to Old Town Albuquerque where they have so many museums and little shops. It was pretty cool. Our first stop was The Rattlesnake Museum which boasts the largest collection of different species of live rattlesnakes in the world! It was neat to see all the snakes, but also to see all the different memorabilia from cultures all over the world that have been influenced by snakes.

After we wrestled with the Rattlesnake Museum, we made our way to the Museum of Natural History. We didn't stay too long, but are consdiering a membership there, if only to see the dinosaur and living sea exhibits!

As we made our way back to the car we found the National Atomic Museum. It was a small, inviting museum that followed the timeline of WWII. They also had a Children's science lab that kept Eli and Todd busy for most of our visit. Pretty interesting stuff.

We finally made it home to where our sweet pork burritos, mexican rice, and Eli's amazing refried beans were waiting for us. It was the quietest dinner we've ever had because the food was so good!

After dinner we all piled (including the puppies) into the Smith's expedition and found a perfect place for fireworks. We took out the back seat of the car and set it on the sidewalk so we could kick back and enjoy the show. It was a nice production, a little on the long side, but still entertaining! Eli and I were amazed the Lima and Chorizo handled the event so well. To be more honest, Lima spent the time digging a hole to lay in and Chorizo cuddled up to Bonnie the whole time being the pansy that he is. After the city fireworks we went home and lit a few of our own fireworks.

All in all, it was a great day! It was well spent with friends and our little family and I think that we are really going to enjoy our lives in New Mexico!